Makeup Artistry Programs in California

BeautySchool.com can help you compare makeup artist programs in your area. We help students across the nation contact multiple schools before making the important decision to enroll. Use our school listings below to contact schools in your area today!

CA Makeup Artist Training & License Requirements

The enormous California entertainment industry fuels the need for hundreds of professionally trained makeup artists annually. The state is also one of the most diligent about enforcing licensing requirements for makeup artists. California considers makeup artistry to be part of the scope of practice for estheticians and cosmetologists, and only allows licensed personnel to apply makeup for pay. The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology regulates licensing cosmetologists and estheticians. 1600 hours education or 3200 hours of apprenticeship are needed to be licensed as a cosmetologist. The state requires 600 hours education for an esthetician license, or 1200 hours as an apprentice.

These educational requirements teach California makeup artistry students the best skills available and help them break into the lucrative industry. California cosmetology and esthetics schools that specialize in makeup artistry work with students to develop professional portfolios and high-level industry contacts. The availability of stars, photographers, designers and industry moguls gives students unparalleled opportunities to participate in photo shoots, music video production, fashion shows and other events. That sort of experience allows California makeup artists to succeed at a higher level than nearly anywhere else in the nation.

Career Outlook for Professional Makeup Artists in California

In makeup artistry school, students learn the fundamentals of cosmetic formulas and makeup application. Tailoring a makeup look to the facial shape and traits of a client is a skill that takes time and practice. Many students take specialized classes to learn about period piece makeup, men's makeup, and special effects for cinema or television. Once licensed, cosmetologists and estheticians in California earn an annual average salary of $27,360 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In the Los Angeles area, salaries average $29,930 and in the San Francisco area, they average $37,460 per year. San Francisco is the fourth highest paying city for cosmetologists in the nation.

Makeup artists that specialize in theater, film and performance arts can earn much higher salaries. The BLS reports the nearly 600 performing arts makeup artists in California earn an average salary of $71,470 yearly, and nearly $80,000 per year in the LA metropolitan area. Los Angeles is second only to New York in employment levels and salaries for makeup artists in the performing arts. Cosmetologists and estheticians working outside the red carpet zone still create unique makeup looks for special events, weddings, photography studios, television reporters, and local theater groups.

Take the next step toward a career as a makeup artist. Review our list of featured programs below to contact schools in your area today!